목양연가(牧羊戀歌)

Ephesians 5:15-17       Be a wise person

Dear congregation, year 2008 is behind us. It will never come back to us. Now, New Year 2009 is about to unfold before us. You and I tried to live our life to the fullest but there may be some things that we didn’t get to accomplish. Also, we may have some regrets for being lazy and not trying our best. As we worship the Lord for the first time this New Year, we want to lead our New Year to a winning year. I pray in the name of the Lord that with God’s blessings make this year the most blessed year in your lifetime. I pray that all your wishes come true and your prayers are answered this year. I pray that we win in Jesus Christ as we listen to today’s message. Then, how can we live a better life?

That is, first of all, let’s read today’s scripture verses 15-16. “Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” In our life, the time flies before our eyes. One hour, one month and one year just pass before our eyes. However, where is our destination? We have a definite destination. But if there are some people who think that they’ll live for thousands of year, they are a foolish person. We should learn the wisdom to not waste our time and live each day wisely.  I remember saying this sometimes. “Let’s not live in our past. Let’s put our past behind us whether it is good or bad.” Why is that? If we think too much about how well we lived in the past, we can easily be arrogant. Also, if we think too much about our mistakes in the past, we can easily be discouraged. Thinking about the past doesn’t help our faithful life. Also, someone who lives in the past has hard time growing as a person. The bible tells us that the Christians should be able to look ahead. St. Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Take a look at our Jesus. Our Jesus was the man of action and he was the most positive person. The life that Jesus lived was very forward thinking. Instead of choosing the short pleasures in life, He chose God’s eternal kingdom. He set a good example for us.  How can we win in this evil time? That is, we shouldn’t be too attached to things in this world but we should hope for God’s kingdom. Someone who has this hope receives the new energy from God so that he can read more bible, spend more time in bible study, pray more and serve God more. Also, he can live life more diligently. Then, we won’t be wasting our time and we can become a wise person. What does it mean by being wise? Who is a wise person?

That is, second of all, a person who relies on God is a wise person. Psalm 32:10 says, “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” The believer who trusts and faithfully prays receives the blessing of God’s response. On this New Year, we should trust God more than any other time. I believe that you will win because God will help you.

Thirdly, who is a wise person? Today’s scripture verse 17 tells us this. “Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.” It tells us the one who understands what the Lord’s will is a wise person. Then, what is God’s will?  John 6:40 says, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” God’s will is for us to receive the salvation by believing in Jesus and to receive the eternal life. Receiving the salvation by believing in Jesus Christ, this is God’s will. Therefore, we should do our best to serve the Lord. The one who serves the Lord is a wise person. I pray all of you try your best to accomplish God’s will.

Dear congregation, I’ll end here. Do you want to have a winning life? Then, spend your time wisely. Also, rely on God and leave everything up to Him. One thing we should know is that we’re living in an evil time. At a time like this, we can easily fall into hardship. However, I believe as long as we stand firm on God’s Word and live according to His Words, we can have a winning New Year. I pray God

By: Rev. Samuel Choi